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Question about automatic vacuums

I am thinking of getting an automatic vacuum. First off, I own a 30 X 18 inground, kidney shaped, with a deep end of about 8 1/2 feet. I want to get an automatic vacuum. I have a few friends that have above ground pools and they all unanimously recommend the Barracuda. A Baracudda for an above ground is about $170ish, while the inground is almost double that. Why is there such a big differance? Will an above ground work in an inground pool??

Re: Question about automatic vacuums

I have a barracuda classic, my pool is 16 x 40. Lucky for me, the cleaner came with the pool. I would not buy one for this size pool. I'm slowly looking for a replacement, as the barracuda takes all day to clean the pool. I think I will be going with a robotic cleaner.

The downside I found to a suction side cleaner is my skimmer is technically offline when its cleaning, so the surface will start accumulating debris.

Re: Question about automatic vacuums

I have a Barracuda and an Aquabot. I second the comments above. They take forever and get hung up at various places. I only use the Barracuda if the Aquabot is out of commission. That might happen every couple of years. Get a robot.

I don't understand the comment about the inground model attaching to the main drain. When in use mine attaches to the skimmer. I wouldn't want to swim down to the main drain every time I want to clean my pool.

Re: Question about automatic vacuums

Originally Posted by glrfti

I don't understand the comment about the inground model attaching to the main drain. When in use mine attaches to the skimmer. I wouldn't want to swim down to the main drain every time I want to clean my pool.

I think dschlic1 meant that the IG Barracudas won't get stuck on the Main Drains like the AG models probably do.

Re: Question about automatic vacuums

If you don't get a robot take a look at The Pool Cleaner. If you don't have a central vac port, you will need the 4 wheel model, or the pressure model. I have a tough pool where only a Navigator would work, but now The Pool Cleaner seems to be doing as good a job.